Tipping Mousekeeping

[21stamps]

Slight divergent question. But do you tip at Be Our Guest Lunch?? I know it is technically counter service, but I thought they still had some sort of waiter?

Last time I went to WDW this wasn't open yet, so I'm not sure.

I tip 2 to 3 dollars at breakfast or lunch there. I'm assuming it's just all gets pooled, I don't really think there's a right or wrong way on that one though.

 

[xdan0920]

Societal norms, you bunch of whack-a-doos. It's customary in the United States of Freedom, to tip housekeepers.

You don't like it, cool, don't tip. You are now stepping outside of our societal norms, and will be judged accordingly.

 

[Otterhead]

Another gray area... I really dislike the mandatory gratuity for a party of six or more. Six is within "normal family" size and I don't always thing a buffet warrants full gratuity. But YMMV.

Agreed, I've had terrific service at a buffet (Boma, Biergarten) as well as little-to-no service (Hollywood & Vine, where we found our own table and the waiter just sort of pointed to the buffet & then dropped off a check). Being charged a mandatory gratuity in that situation is really irritating.

 

[21stamps]

Well, if myself and the above poster, @xdan0920, agree on something, then it definitely must be a common practice. Lol

 

[21stamps]

Agreed, I've had terrific service at a buffet (Boma, Biergarten) as well as little-to-no service (Hollywood & Vine, where we found our own table and the waiter just sort of pointed to the buffet & then dropped off a check). Being charged a mandatory gratuity in that situation is really irritating.

I had horrible service at Garden Grill last time. And it was a candlelight processional package, that was infuriating There may have been steam coming out the top of my head when I signed the check

 

[dmatt87]

I have been reading this 13 pages argument for a few weeks, and I can see that there is a major divergence of opinions. In general, I don't think anybody is cheap, whether they tip the housekeeping service or not - it comes down to a preference.

It important to note, before slamming me for my opinions, that I do tip when required, and do so in a generous matter. But I don't like it!

I personally tip a small daily amount during a multiple nights stay at a hotel, as a small courtesy for the business. However, I don't like the North American tradition of tipping - and I strongly believe that it should be removed.

For starters, if the position is NOT a tipped position, the person shouldn't receive a tip. It doesn't matter how disgusting or daunting a task can be - if the person accepted a salary (minimum wage or more) to perform a job, then this is what they signed up for. I might not want to do some of those jobs, and I respect the person who does, however they are receiving compensation for the tasks performed. If that person was to go over and beyond the general expected performance, then I might be inclined to tip that person - for example, a maid that will make sure your room is ready before a requested time period, that will bring towels and other products rapidly upon request, or that will leave a special towel design on the bed - this will deserve extra praises. If my room is clean - that is part of the job.

For tipped positions, the system is flawed - especially in restaurants! The overall enjoyment of a meal at a restaurant doesn't rest solely on the head of the waiter. If a meal is delicious, it's the kitchen staff, not the waiter. If a meal is disgusting but the service is as expected, should I leave a tip for a bad experience? However, in that same scenario, if the waiter goes over and beyond to surpass my needs and makes certain that a bad situation is made right, this deserves extra praises. Also, if a waiter is getting the same wage serving $15 entrées than serving $40 entrées, why should I tip more? Why should I tip more because I drank alcohol instead of a soft drink? I would rather see the waiter get paid at least minimum wage, and getting a small bump on the price of the food - than to feel obligated to tip the waiter 15-20% for no real reason. I would tip, only if the situation was right.

It irritates me when I read people calling other people cheap because they are willing to fork out thousand of dollars for a Disney vacation but not to tip housekeeping. The position doesn't require tipping unless the service is over and beyond what is expected, and people wait sometime many years before taking a Disney vacation because of the price - so every dollar makes a difference. Why should a family with 3 kids, who wait for the fall and free dining, because it's all they can afford, be bullied because they don't have $5 or $15 per day to tip housekeeping? I live in Canada and the exchange rate is not great at the moment - so our upcoming trip without airfare would of been $3000 but with the exchange rate, it's $4200 - so $60 USD makes a difference in my week.

Now back to your normally scheduled ranting

 

[Otterhead]

For tipped positions, the system is flawed - especially in restaurants!

I'll definitely agree! When I traveled in NZ and Australia, it was a huge relief to be told that tipping was by no means expected in any situation; they actually pay their servers and maids a working wage there, and prices are overall higher to compensate, so a tip is commonly only left to reward extraordinary service. But as long as servers and maids in the US rely on tips to make their jobs livable, a few dollars as thanks make a massive difference.

 

[jaklgreen]

It comes out to be about the same, either you tip, or pay more. So what's the difference? It only matters to the worker who gets screwed if you don't tip.

 

[dmatt87]

But as long as servers and maids in the US rely on tips to make their jobs livable, a few dollars as thanks make a massive difference.

And this is why I still do it!

 

[dmatt87]

It comes out to be about the same, either you tip, or pay more. So what's the difference? It only matters to the worker who gets screwed if you don't tip.

Because if you don't tip, you come out has being the bad guy, even if the service is terrible. However, I believe that if the person is paid a reasonable wage, they will offer a better service, by fear of getting a negative review and being fired - because managers who pay more, will not tolerate employees who under perform!

 

[disney4life2008]

Hold on, what? So the housekeepers at All Stars do less work?
Why would someone at GF tip but not at All Stars?

You tell me. What is the difference between paying $800 per night at GF vs $120 per night at the values?

Walt Disney World is "premium," period. All Star Sports is cheaper than the Grand Floridan but it's a lot more than the Super 8 on 192 or a Motel 6 in Toledo.

Also, as @KrzyKtty said, it's a matter of etiquette. Etiquette does not say "tip at premium establishments but not at cheaper ones." Etiquette says "tip at table service restaurants but not counter-service. Tip bathroom attendants but not custodians. Tip housekeeping always."

My wife and I will spend $40 for a meal at Flame Tree Barbecue and $30 at Chilis. Yet the Chilis waiter gets a top and the Flame Tree cashier does not. Clearly, it's not a matter of "premium" versus "cheaper."

I disagree. Housekeeping at super 8 do the same things at all star sports. I have stayed at both numerous times.

Sorry, I still see no documents that indicate tip housekeeping always. Show me the documents. I need peer reviewed documents not fluff!

Chilis gets a tip because you are forced to leave a tip. Its right there on the paper. You can choose to leave 0.00 with a line no one is forcing you.

No not premium to cheaper, different positions. There is a difference in the jobs. One comes in once or twice to clean the bathrooms and then moves on to other duties. There is almost never any interaction between the custodian and the guest. The other position I am talking about is a bathroom attendant. Their position yes does include the maintenance of the bathroom, but it also includes them providing me towels, hand soap, lotions, and sometimes other amenities. Their entire job for that shift is located in the bathroom. Similar, but not the same.

So it isn't me comparing premium cheaper, but one position to the other. Granted, it is true that you do not normally find this type of position in cheaper establishments. However if All Star had a full time bathroom attendant, I would tip him/her.

Ok, yes. This makes sense.

Well, it should be. I think every school having an etiquette/manners class is helpful. It covers a lot more than just tipping, and it can help with the logistics of many situations if someone wasn't taught how to do so at home...or even just for practice and awareness beyond what you were taught at home.
Granted, Google and Templates have become great tools, but people still have to know that they need those tools in the first place

I encourage you to visit any restaurant or mall on a Friday or Saturday. If you think the generation today are tipping you are crazy.

Just to act as devil's advocate, I have seen quite a few hotels leave envelopes for tipping the housekeeping. I have also been to enough restaurants that don't say anything about a suggested gratuity. They only hint about tipping in the line on the check for you to fill in.

There are plenty of social etiquette norms that aren't spelled out because they are generally accepted by most. Granted, there are always the outliers and that is fine. When I worked in restaurants tipping was always appreciated, but I knew not to expect it. You never know people's personal beliefs. So all you can do is your best and hope it is appreciated appropriately.

Agreed 100 percent.

I don't sleep in a public restroom, do you?

I have lol

 

[jaklgreen]

Because if you don't tip, you come out has being the bad guy, even if the service is terrible. However, I believe that if the person is paid a reasonable wage, they will offer a better service, by fear of getting a negative review and being fired - because managers who pay more, will not tolerate employees who under perform!

My point in what's the difference is that you end up paying the same amount if you tip or they just jack the prices up 20%. And I have been to several Countries that do not take tips, their service was no where near the kind of attentive service that you get here in the States. They come to you when they choose to, you have to always flag them down if you need something and they basically just don't give a crap. Compared to what we are used to here, they seem down right rude. But they do not see it that way. If you were to complain, they would see it as your the PITA not that their employee did anything wrong. Customer service in America is at an extreme. Especially compared to European Countries.

 

[disney4life2008]

Yes it is. It explicitly is.

(Not using that as a justification not to tip.)

So they're required to make the towel animals? Or is it just a general "Do something unique"?

Yes. It's a formal part of their training.

LOL!

This baffles me. I have a friend who did the college program and worked in housekeeping. Part of their training is making towel animals. Yes, it makes the visit special but this is part of their training. Just like making the bed, cleaning the toilet, vacuuming. I cannot think of anything magical a housekeeper does? This is the same person who I never see. Yet, I am leaving a tip. Yea right.

I will tell you something that was magical. Last night at Caseys the park was already closed. A lady came around pushing a cart of deserts (probably from Crystal Palace). She handed cupcakes to everyone in the area. Was that part of her job description I doubt it but she clearly was upper management and had the power to do so.

 

[jaklgreen]

I also wanted to say that Americans treat food service workers as second class citizens. In other Countries, it is a good, honest job that is not looked down on. Americans expect exceptional service while they treat the servers like dirt.

 

[disney4life2008]

Societal norms, you bunch of whack-a-doos. It's customary in the United States of Freedom, to tip housekeepers.

You don't like it, cool, don't tip. You are now stepping outside of our societal norms, and will be judged accordingly.

LOL judge me. I am still waiting to see peer reviewed documentation that it is a societal norm to tip. You or no one else has shown anything. I hope you do not think tipping makes you better than anyone because that is far cry from fire lol

 

[disney4life2008]

I also wanted to say that Americans treat food service workers as second class citizens. In other Countries, it is a good, honest job that is not looked down on. Americans expect exceptional service while they treat the servers like dirt.

I disagree. I think a lot of people that work in food service are not happy and that reflects upon the service. My only issue with disney is the fake smiles sometimes but I understand, guest services.

 

[xdan0920]

LOL judge me. I am still waiting to see peer reviewed documentation that it is a societal norm to tip. You or no one else has shown anything. I hope you do not think tipping makes you better than anyone because that is far cry from fire lol

Societal norms don't come with accompanying paperwork. Sorry.

 

[jaklgreen]

This baffles me. I have a friend who did the college program and worked in housekeeping. Part of their training is making towel animals. Yes, it makes the visit special but this is part of their training. Just like making the bed, cleaning the toilet, vacuuming. I cannot think of anything magical a housekeeper does? This is the same person who I never see. Yet, I am leaving a tip. Yea right.

I will tell you something that was magical. Last night at Caseys the park was already closed. A lady came around pushing a cart of deserts (probably from Crystal Palace). She handed cupcakes to everyone in the area. Was that part of her job description I doubt it but she clearly was upper management and had the power to do so.

I think because they do this not within your view, that it should be appreciated more. They have a job to do and they have to work around everyone's schedule. They watch out who leaves their room for the day and try to get everyone done by the time they get back. Which, at WDW, is not easy. A lot of people come back for a mid day break. It' like magic, you leave the room a mess and magically when you get back it is all clean. How can you not appreciate that?

 

[disney4life2008]

I think because they do this not within your view, that it should be appreciated more. They have a job to do and they have to work around everyone's schedule. They watch out who leaves their room for the day and try to get everyone done by the time they get back. Which, at WDW, is not easy. A lot of people come back for a mid day break. It' like magic, you leave the room a mess and magically when you get back it is all clean. How can you not appreciate that?

LOL how is that any different than any other hotel? I stayed at the model 6 last weekend, went to mcdonalds for breakfast and magically I came back my room was spotless. LOL How is that magic? That is there job? My expectation is when I leave my room better be clean. Regardless of where I stay, as long as housekeeping is there, I expect my room to be cleaned. There is no magic to that. It is their job.

As for disney, if you think that is magic I encourage to join the real world. They are not standing around waiting for anyone. They have x amount of rooms to clean and if you do not leave, they put towels in a bag. This is still not magic. Join the real world Pinocchio

 

[disney4life2008]

Societal norms don't come with accompanying paperwork. Sorry.

Then why should I leave a tip? This is your societal norm, not mines. And you can argue me all you want to